Manitoba will ban young people from using social media and AI chatbots, Premier Wab Kinew announced Saturday.
He said the proposed law aims to protect youth from harmful effects, including addiction to endless scrolling and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Kinew argued these platforms are designed to keep users engaged for profit, often exposing kids to unrealistic standards and inappropriate content.
The plan would be the first of its kind in Canada, but details such as the age limit, enforcement, and timeline have not been released.
The move follows similar action in Australia, where strict rules have already led to millions of youth accounts being shut down. However, experts say some young people may simply switch to other platforms not covered by bans.
Other countries and Canadian provinces are also considering similar restrictions as concerns grow about the impact of social media and AI on youth.
